“People insult by integrity, my human values, my professionalism and one of these people is sitting here.”

Andre Villas-Boas

The former Chelsea boss is now under-fire at White Hart Lane after last week's embarrassing 6-0 thrashing against Manchester City, with reports that Spurs have shortlisted potential replacements ahead of the United match.

Talking about the claims that he uses his side as a scapegoat, Villas-Boas added: "You always chase people and attack people and you don't attack them from the front you attack from sitting down with the things you write. You attack integrity and competence when you don't even know that person.

"Only when I give you the chance (to meet me) can you reach conclusions like you did."

The Portuguese boss was called up on the fact he appeared to distance himself from his side's display against City when he said: "We have to be ashamed of ourselves after this."

Mocking the reporters, Villas-Boas added: "We, includes myself. I never had any intention to separate myself from it."